Remembering Dawn
March 05, 2017 08:08 AM
Filed in: Family Relationship
Filed in: Family Relationship
There is nothing like the untimely death of a loved one to cause us to reflect and reevaluate our own lives. Actually, scripture encourages us to do so. “So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
This week marks the two year anniversary of the passing of Dawn Schwalbach: a beloved wife, mother and precious friend. Because of Dawn, I have done a lot of reflecting these past few days.
Dawn died after a long and heroic battle with cancer. At 48 she left behind a faithful husband, 10 beautiful children, a wonderful son in law, and a growing number of precious grandchildren. But more than that, my friend left behind a godly and rich legacy.
God providentially brought our lives together about 25 years ago. The moment I met Dawn I knew we were kindred spirits.
We both were in the “spring” season of motherhood when we met…Christian young moms trying to grasp what this calling of wife and mother was supposed to look like. Over the years, I learned much from Dawn’s example and thank the Lord for the rich blessing of her friendship.
Dawn’s life was marked by humility. She was self-effacing. In the many years of communication we shared, I don’t ever remember a boasting word from her lips.
She was always interested in the needs of others far, far more than her own. Even in our last text exchanges, just days before she died, she was asking about me, my children, and our lives. In the midst of unspeakable suffering she still rose above her circumstances to show love and interest in others.
She was gracious and kind. Her kindness touched the lives of everyone she knew. Her husband shared that even the nurses wept at her passing because of the testimony of her loving spirit. She breathed this into the hearts of her children which continues to be reflected in their incredible service and ministry to others.
She was creative and resourceful. As Dawn and Jim welcomed a growing number of children on a single income, she stretched her resources in amazing ways. I can remember how she created homemade games for her children to help in their education (she even generously sent some to our family!). Dawn never communicated discontentment during lean times.
Dawn was joyful. Her countenance and words communicated joy even during her years of physical suffering. Her joy was other-worldly. It was a Christ-filled joy that drew all who knew her to her Father.
I think the greatest legacy she left is reflected through the testimony of her husband and children…those who knew her best. Her daughter, Laura, penned these words the day after the Lord took Dawn home:
Jesus called Mama home to be with Him last night. I definitely don't blame Him, He knows she is the most awesome, caring, amazing individual and couldn't wait to have her with Him and literally hold her in His arms.
We may think that she was taken before her time, but that is not true. Everything is in God's time and not ours. We cry in missing this superhero of a woman and we cry for ourselves. For we know that she could never be happier to leave her sick and hurting shell and a world to match, and be with the One who gave her life to begin with.
Her love for Christ really made an impact on so many people. And she never knew how many lives her love has touched. She had no idea how special she was. And I know anyone who knew her, could have some testimony of this.
She made our house a home and loved all her children equally and more than we ever deserved. She was the only person I could truly say, was my best friend. She had such perfect love. She never rejected me or stepped on me. She was always there for all of us.
But we know that this world is not all there is. Mom accepted the Lord's free gift of salvation and followed Christ in her life. Now she is in her eternal home in heaven, and I know for a fact that I will join her someday.
This world is all so temporary and gone in a blink of an eye. Its what we do and choices we make with the time and life we are given that predict where we spend eternity.
Thank You, Lord, that my precious mama chose to follow You with her life.
God is in control and we must trust Him.
I love you, Mama. I can't wait to see you again.
I cry in selfishness of how much I will miss you until we meet again in glory.
Laura’s words echo Proverbs 31:28-31:
“Her children rise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her: Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.’ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.”
Dawn not only lived these truths but she breathed them into the very hearts of her children.
This kind of legacy doesn’t come for free. It is something that is lived moment by moment, day by day, year by year. You see, Dawn’s faithful “work of her hands” now “praise her in the gates”… and they will for generations to come.
May Dawn's beautiful legacy be true of me one day. And, my friend, may it be true of you!